Bois Impérial Essential Parfums 2020

Perfume lovers can basically be divided into two groups: Some prefer fresh fragrances, while others appreciate more dark or gourmand scents. The dividing line is not always clear, but for most people a certain tendency can be identified. Personally, I love fresh, citrusy and fruity scents. The problem, however, is that a significant proportion of these fragrances are now far too similar, resulting in a lack of uniqueness. Be it the classic Aventus DNA or the so-called "blue fragrances" with woody-spicy notes alongside the citrus freshness.

Bois Impérial, however, brings color and a breath of fresh air to this wasteland. You know that feeling when you try a dish from a completely foreign cuisine and your taste buds are hit by flavors you didn't even know existed? That's exactly how I felt when I smelled Bois Impérial for the first time.

Even if the fragrance pyramid doesn't immediately suggest it, in my opinion this is a new kind of freshie. The reason for this is obvious: it is a combination of several synthetic ingredients. Many people associate synthetics with something negative, as it is no longer "natural". But basically nothing else is done here than in nature: new components with new properties are created from small components. Nature is the master of synthetics, which we try to imitate or even surpass, which is why I am a great advocate of "synthetic" fragrances.

The fragrance starts (as it should) very citrusy with grapefruit. However, it develops relatively quickly in a pleasant woody-soapy direction. In the dry down, a patchouli note can be recognized, which is not too intrusive compared to other patchouli fragrances and is well embedded in the overall picture of the fragrance. As a result, Bois Impérial is also characterized by excellent longevity and sillage.

My final piece of advice: don't be put off by the synthetics. If you do, you are missing out on a great and unique freshie with a terrific P/L ratio.